How to minimise the impact of excessive screen time
While screens are an important part of our lives and come with plenty of perks, it’s smart to monitor how much you’re getting.
Recent studies have found that excessive screen time can have damaging consequences such as digital eye strain, impaired sleep and worsened mental health.
So how do we take care of ourselves in a screen-saturated world?
Not all content is created equal when it comes to what’s good for our health. Watching a documentary on TV, for example, will have a different impact than mindlessly scrolling social media platforms.
Allocate specific times for screen use and do your best to stick to them. E.g., no screens during meals or an hour before bed. You can also set up timers in your settings to disable apps at specific times.
Screens aren’t bad in themselves – they may provide you with entertainment or content that makes you feel good.
If that’s the case, great. But taking note of how you feel during and after screen-time can be revealing. If it’s not necessary and you feel worse, maybe it’s not the best choice for you.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain.
These can help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality. Most devices have built-in blue light filters you can activate.
Prioritise hobbies and activities you love that don’t involve screens whether it’s reading, seeing friends or spending time in nature.